César Chávez marchers optimistic for immigration reform

Updated 12:44 am, Sunday, March 31, 2013

Jaime Rios calls out to marchers with the original bullhorn used by famed workers rights activist César Chávez during the 17th annual César Chávez March for Justice through downtown San Antonio.

Jaime Rios calls out to marchers with the original bullhorn used by famed workers rights activist César Chávez during the 17th annual César Chávez March for Justice through downtown San Antonio.

Photo: Photos By Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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Juanita Mendoza carries a flag in remembrance of Chávez, who led a nonviolent movement for farm worker rights.

Juanita Mendoza carries a flag in remembrance of Chávez, who led a nonviolent movement for farm worker rights.

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Marissa Gutierrez carrying an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe participates in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights.

Marissa Gutierrez carrying an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe participates in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several

Jaime Martinez (center) of Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund leads the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights. less

Jaime Martinez (center) of Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund leads the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Guadalupe Rios waves flags as participants in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice make their way through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights. less

Guadalupe Rios waves flags as participants in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice make their way through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Hundreds take part in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013.

Hundreds take part in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013.

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Images of workers rights activist Cesar Chavez are presented during the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights. less

Images of workers rights activist Cesar Chavez are presented during the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Hundreds participate in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. The march took place in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights.

Hundreds participate in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. The march took place in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights.

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Former HUD Secretary and former city mayor Henry Cisneros talks with Ernest Martinez, chairman of the Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund while marching in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights. less

Former HUD Secretary and former city mayor Henry Cisneros talks with Ernest Martinez, chairman of the Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund while marching in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Participants pass through downtown in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights.

Participants pass through downtown in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the

Jaime Martinez (center) of Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund receives a hug while taking part in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights.

Jaime Martinez (center) of Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund receives a hug while taking part in the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of

Arturo Rodriguez (right), president of United Farm Workers, addresses the crowd at Alamo Plaza that gathered after the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Joining Rodriguez on stage was Jaime Martinez of the Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights.

Arturo Rodriguez (right), president of United Farm Workers, addresses the crowd at Alamo Plaza that gathered after the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013.

Jaime Martinez of Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund looks out over the crowd that gathered at the conclusion of the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, 2013. Hundreds of people along with and several organizations participated in remembrance of the activist who fought for migrant workers rights. less

Jaime Martinez of Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund looks out over the crowd that gathered at the conclusion of the 17th annual Cesar Chavez March for Justice through downtown on Saturday, Mar. 30, ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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César Chávez marchers optimistic for immigration reform

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Nationwide calls for comprehensive immigration reform echoed Saturday across Alamo Plaza as the 17th annual César Chávez March For Justice wrapped up there with speeches, music and dancing.

“We're all fighting to ensure there is going to be a favorable vote taken in Congress this year and that President Obama has the opportunity to sign a new bill granting legal status to farm workers,” said United Farm Workers union President Arturo S. Rodriguez, the event's grand marshal.

He praised the 2011 renaming of Durango Boulevard in honor of Chávez, who led a historic nonviolent movement for farm worker rights until his death 20 years ago, and called it fitting that marchers traversed part of César Chávez Boulevard.

The slow-moving procession of about 500 included participants carrying flags and signs, babies in strollers and dogs on leashes, kids pedaling bikes and in wagons, as well as low-riders, antique cars and even a military-style jeep with a mounted gun.

It was led by Americans Indians whose ancestors settled centuries ago in what is now Bexar County.

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“We do this from our hearts,” said Ray Rios, 50, who wore a feathered headdress atop his ornate costume. He called Chávez, who would have turned 86 Saturday, “a great humanitarian.”

“We have to remember who our heroes are and what they have done. A tree without roots is going to fall,” said San Miguel, a member of the Brown Berets, a Chicano political group.

Among those hopeful about immigration reform was U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, one of several politicians making the walk.

“The moment is now,” he said, citing potential bipartisan backing for such legislation. “It's essential that we get a pathway to citizenship that doesn't impose unreasonable burdens on those striving to be citizens.”

The Associated Press reported Saturday that an agreement on a guest worker program for low-skilled immigrants had been reached, clearing the path for broad immigration legislation when Congress returns from its two-week recess in mid-April.

“They should get it, but it's not going to happen for a while. Years,” he predicted.

Although turnout was smaller than in recent years, the event drew participants from far off cities and states, including Friar Mark Schroeder of the California group Franciscans for Justice.

“We must overcome racism with love and compassion,” said Schroeder, who's optimistic about the chance of major reform. “Next year we'll be here celebrating the immigration reform that's going to help a lot of people live a better life.”

To doubters, marchers repeatedly invoked a call made famous by Chávez, “Sí se puede” or “Yes we can.”